Day 10: Mile 49.7 Tentsite to Indian Grave Gap

It’s 730pm now and I’m snug in my tent having had no dinner tonight. I’m at Indian Grave Gap having covered only 5.8 miles today. I’m camped with Arizona who arrived here a few minutes before I did. After he and I setup tents, Voyager came in and asked if she minded if she tented here. Nobody has to ask, it’s just a courtesy seeing as how space here is really limited.

All of us were planning on going further today, but the rain got the best of us. Right now, it is raining it’s ass off and it’s colder than I dunno what. Definitely one of the colder nights since I’ve been out. So that’s why no dinner tonight unless the rain let’s up.

My morning started well enough, if a little late as usual. I was on trail by about 11am. The Team Turtle people were out early – they had a resupply run planned in Hiawassee via Unicoi Gap so they high tailed it outa there. The other local folks left about am hour before me.

I passed Blue Mountain Shelter shortly after leaving. After that the trail headed straight down Blue Mountain along all kinds of crazy rock features which desire nothing less than the total destruction of one’s feet! I navigated them carefully using my treking poles and careful foot placement to avoid hamburger feet.

I finally arrived at Unicoi Gap at about 100pm and was delighted to find a large trail magic group! They were cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for the hikers. I chose the hamburger option with cheese, ketchup and pickles. One of the best burgers ever. I also downed a Doctor Pepper for some quick carbs seeing as I had a big climb coming up.

Rocky Mountain presents a challenge. Right out of Unicoi Gap the trail climbs 1000 feet in about 1.3 miles. It’s a tough climb. Even though there are plenty of switchbacks, it is steep and often involves rock steps. It started to rain during the climb which as actually refreshing. The temperature was about 60 and with the climb producing a lot of sweat, the rain helped. A short break was deserved at the top.

After that, the trail descends 1000 feet in about 1.4 miles, arriving here at Indian Grave Gap. Just like the climb, the descent had lots of rock steps and slabs. The rain ceased.

Once I arrived here, I found a small group giving out trail magic. Hot Dogs, Gatorade, soda, snacks and all kinds of goodies. Arizona, whom left Unicoi Gap at the same time, had already been here with his dog, Bella. I stopped and visited for a few minutes and had a hot dog.

Not long after, it started to rain. Arizona noted a couple tent sites right around here! It sounded like a great idea since it was raining. Also, we’d heard that a lot of hikers were headed to Cheese Factory Campsite. Why risk having no tent space when we had some right here??? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush… that’s what I’ve always heard. 🙂

Arizona went ahead and pitched tent while I waited a while – hoping the rain would stop for a while. It did not, and still has not. I finally tired of waiting and pitched in the pouring rain. It sucked, let’s put it like that!

Once I was inside drying off, the temperature started to drop rapidly. People can go hypothermic in temperatures as warm as 70 degrees if they’re soaking wet. So I was racing the clock to get dry and in my bag before trouble.

Unfortunately, no dinner. Doesn’t look good for the rain to stop. But at least I had hamburger and hot dog! 🙂

Monday and Tuesday I have to cover a total of 14 miles. I’ll probably do 10 tomorrow and 4 on Tuesday. On Tuesday I will get a ride to my next town stop – Hiawassee!

For now, I need to totally submerge in my bag. My fingers are about to freeze off while typing this!!!

Coldly wandering on…

Kelly

PS… I’ve been calling myself “mojo” on the trail. I like it – thanks Heather! 🙂